France v Poland predictions: Les Bleus too strong for the Eagles

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for France v Poland in the last 16 of the World Cup on Sunday.

Where to watch

BBC One, 3pm Sunday

Best bet

France -1 on handicap
2pts 10-11 general

France were impressive in their opening two group games with their full strength side and their attacking stars should be able to shine against a Polish team who scraped through the group stages by the narrowest of margins.

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Match preview

France’s aim of becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain the World Cup got off to the best possible start with back-to-back wins over Australia and Denmark to assure qualification to the knockout stages.

A heavily rotated side then lost 1-0 to Tunisia in their final match in Group D but Les Bleus still topped the section and as a result face Poland in this round-of-16 clash.

The Eagles scraped through to this stage by the finest of margins as a late consolation goal for Saudi Arabia against Mexico saw El Tri miss out on second spot in Group C on goal difference.

Robert Lewandowski and co failed to impress in the group stage as they struggled to break down Mexico in their goalless opener before a somewhat fortuitous 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia, in which their opponents missed countless chances.

Wojciech Szczesny saved penalties in the Saudi Arabia match and in their final group game, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina.

The Juventus keeper may need to produce a similarly heroic display to keep France’s attacking talents at bay.

Kylian Mbappe has already scored three times in two starts and Olivier Giroud has chipped in with a pair of goals as well. After being given a lack of playing time at Atletico Madrid this season, Antoine Griezmann has thrived in a creative midfield role, playing as a number ten in behind Giroud.

Ousmane Dembele also impressed in the opening two matches and France have arguably the most potent attacking line-up in the tournament.

That is a major concern for a Poland side who have won just two of their last eight competitive matches.

It is the first time since 1986 that the nation has progressed to the round of 16 but this looks likely to be as far as they will reach.

France are 3-10 in the match betting and that looks a fair reflection of their superior quality, and they should have too much for their opponents and have also had a chance to rest some star names against Tunisia.

Those attacking stars no look likely to shine and France are fancied to overcome a one-goal deficit on the handicap to win by at least two and move one step closer to retaining their title in impressive style.

A potential blockbuster clash with England in the quarter-finals is likely to be as good a motivation as any for Didier Deschamps’ men.

Key stat

France have scored 17 goals in their last seven World Cup games

Team news

France
Didier Deschamps is likely to revert to the team that faced Denmark in this clash, although Theo Hernandez is a doubt with an ankle injury.

Poland
Poland have a fully fit squad.

Probable teams

France (4-2-3-1) Lloris; Kounde, Upamecano, Varane, Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud

Poland (4-4-2) Szczesny; Cash, Glik, Kiwior, Bereszynski; Zielinski, Bielik, Krychowiak, Frankowski; Swiderski, Lewandowski

Inside info

France

Top scorer in probable team Olivier Giroud
Star player Kylian Mbappe
Penalty taker Kylian Mbappe
Assist ace Theo Hernandez
Set-piece aerial threat Olivier Giroud
Card magnet Theo Hernandez

Poland

Top scorer in probable team Robert Lewandowski
Star player Robert Lewandowski
Penalty taker Robert Lewandowski
Assist ace Piotr Zielinski
Set-piece aerial threat Kamil Glik
Card magnet Grzegorz Krychowiak